Absorbent article package with enhanced grip

ABSTRACT

A package having an absorbent article and outer package having a web package material, with grip areas. The grip areas enhance gripping, handling, carrying, and stacking of the package. The grip areas include a strainable network having at least two visually distinct regions of the same material composition. The first region undergoes a molecular-level deformation and the second region initially undergoes a substantially geometric deformation when the web package material is subjected to an applied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of elongation, and wherein the first region and the second region are positioned on one or more grip areas of the outer package, wherein only a portion of the outer package has first and second regions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a package with absorbent articles andan outer package having a web package material comprising grip areas,which enhance gripping, handling, carrying and stacking of the package.The grip areas exhibit poke through resistance and an elastic-likebehavior in response to an applied elongation along at least one axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as paper towels, toilet tissues, facial tissues,sanitary napkins, pantiliners, disposable diapers, incontinent briefs,and bandages, etc. are designed to absorb and retain liquid and/orabsorb discharges from the human body to prevent soiling on the bodyand/or on clothing. Because these types of products are typicallyconsumed rather quickly by consumers, many absorbent articles arepackaged and sold in relatively large quantities. By buying in bulk,consumers may not need to return to the store as often and may be ableto pay a reduced price per unit. This is because the manufacturers maybe able to incur shipping and handling savings and produce the largerpackages more efficiently.

Moreover, these packages may be slippery, large, bulky and often have anawkward shape. Therefore, they may be more difficult for consumers tohandle and carry. Sometimes consumers may even accidentally puncture thepackage with their fingers while attempting to grip and carry it. Also,it may be more difficult for retailers to stack these packages in thestore for display. As such, a need currently exists for an improvedpackaging for absorbent articles. In particular, a need exists for apackage for absorbent articles with enhanced gripping that is easier forconsumers to carry and handle and for retailers to stack and display inthe store.

The present invention therefore, provides a package with absorbentarticles and an outer package with a web package material, wherein theweb package material comprises grip areas. These regions enhancegripping, carrying, and stacking of the package and reduce puncturing ofthe web package material by the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment the invention relates to a package comprising: (a) oneor more absorbent articles; (b) an outer package for the absorbentarticles, comprising a web package material comprising at least twodistinct regions comprising a first region and a second region beingcomprised of the same material composition, the first region undergoinga substantially molecular-level deformation and the second regioninitially undergoing a substantially geometric deformation when the webpackage material is subjected to an applied elongation along at leastone axis; and wherein the first region and the second region arepositioned on one or more grip areas of the outer package, wherein onlya portion of the outer package comprises first and second regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thepresent invention will be better understood from the followingdescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numerals identify like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustration of an embodiment of a web packagematerial of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary graph of the force-elongation curve of theresistive force versus percent elongation behavior of a web packagematerial of the present invention, such as shown in FIG. 1, and a baseweb package material, i.e., which does not include first and secondregions, of similar or the same material composition;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustration of the web package material of FIG. 1in a tensioned condition corresponding to stage I on theforce-elongation curve depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the package of the present inventionshowing grip regions;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus used toform web package materials of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to tissue products,sanitary tissue or tissue products, devices which absorb and containbody exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which areplaced against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb andcontain the various exudates discharged from the body. The term“absorbent article” is intended to include diapers, catamenial pads,sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinent briefs, bandages, wipes,tissue products, and the like. The term “disposable” is used herein todescribe absorbent articles which are not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use, and, in an embodiment, tobe recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Sanitary tissue product” or “tissue product” as used herein means awiping implement for post-urinary and/or post-bowel movement cleaning(toilet tissue or wipe products), for otorhinolaryngological discharges(facial tissue products) and/or multi-functional absorbent and cleaninguses (absorbent towels such as paper towel products, table napkinsand/or wipe products). The sanitary tissue products of the presentinvention may comprise one or more fibrous structures and/or finishedfibrous structures, traditionally, but not necessarily, comprisingcellulose fibers. In one embodiment, the tissue products of the presentinvention include tissue-towel paper products.

A “tissue-towel paper product” refers to products comprising papertissue or paper towel technology in general, including, but not limitedto, conventional felt-pressed or conventional wet-pressed tissue paper,pattern densified tissue paper, starch substrates, and high bulk,uncompacted tissue paper. Non-limiting examples of tissue-towel paperproducts include toweling, facial tissue, bath tissue, table napkins,and the like.

As used herein, the term “elastic-like” describes the behavior of webpackage materials which when subjected to an applied elongation, the webpackage materials extend in the direction of applied elongation and whenthe applied elongation is released the web package materials return, toa substantial degree, to their untensioned condition.

As used herein the term “web package material” refers to a sheet-likematerial, including a film material, etc., useful for packaging that maybe a composite or laminate of two or more sheet-like materials and thelike.

The term “fibrous structure”, as used herein, means an arrangement offibers produced in any papermaking machine known in the art to create aply of paper. “Fiber” means an elongate particulate having an apparentlength greatly exceeding its apparent width. More specifically, and asused herein, fiber refers to such fibers suitable for a papermakingprocess.

“Basis Weight”, as used herein, is the weight per unit area of a samplereported in lbs/3000 ft² or g/m².

“Machine Direction” or “MD”, as used herein, means the directionparallel to the flow of the fibrous structure through the papermakingmachine and/or product manufacturing equipment.

“Cross Machine Direction” or “CD”, as used herein, means the directionperpendicular to the machine direction in the same plane of the fibrousstructure and/or fibrous structure product comprising the fibrousstructure.

Absorbent Articles

The package herein comprises a one or more absorbent articles. In oneembodiment the absorbent articles herein comprise tissue products. Thetissue products may be in any suitable form, such as in a roll, inindividual sheets, in connected, but perforated sheets, in a foldedformat or even unfolded.

In one example, tissue products comprise a plurality of single- and/ormulti-ply sanitary tissue products. The sanitary tissue products may bedry and/or wet. The sanitary tissue products may come in a variety ofroll sizes and may be packaged in different numbers of rolls, such asfour, six, nine, twenty-four, thirty-six and the like. The packages maybe displayed on a shelf at a point of sale, such as within a retailstore, in such as way that the different sanitary tissue products orpackages are visible to a consumer during the consumer's purchasingdecision process.

The sanitary tissue products may comprise single ply or more multi-plysanitary tissue products. The package may comprise a mixture ofsingle-ply and multi-ply sanitary tissue products.

The absorbent article may comprise any tissue-towel paper product knownin the industry. Embodiment of these substrates may be made accordingU.S. Pat. No.: 4,191,609 issued Mar. 4, 1980 to Trokhan; U.S. Pat. No.4,300,981 issued to Carstens on Nov. 17, 1981; U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,609issued to Trokhan on Mar. 4, 1980; U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,345 issued toJohnson et al. on Apr. 30, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,239 issued toTrokhan on Jul. 9, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,480 issued to Trokhan onJul. 16, 1985; U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,859 issued to Trokhan on Jan. 20,1987; U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,025 issued to Trokhan et al. on Sep. 14, 1993;U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,700 issued to Trokhan on Jan. 4, 1994; U.S. Pat. No.5,328,565 issued to Rasch et al. on Jul. 12, 1994; U.S. Pat. No.5,334,289 issued to Trokhan et al. on Aug. 2, 1994; U.S. Pat. No.5,364,504 issued to Smurkowski et al. on Nov. 15, 1995; U.S. Pat. No.5,527,428 issued to Trokhan et al. on Jun. 18, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.5,556,509 issued to Trokhan et al. on Sep. 17, 1996; U.S. Pat. No.5,628,876 issued to Ayers et al. on May 13, 1997; U.S. Pat. No.5,629,052 issued to Trokhan et al. on May 13, 1997; U.S. Pat. No.5,637,194 issued to Ampulski et al. on Jun. 10, 1997; U.S. Pat. No.5,411,636 issued to Hermans et al. on May 2, 1995; EP 677612 publishedin the name of Wendt et al. on Oct. 18, 1995, and U.S. PatentApplication 2004/0192136A1 published in the name of Gusky et al. on Sep.30, 2004.

Outer Package Comprising Web Package Material

The present invention provides that only specific portions or locationsof the outer package comprise web package material with a strainablenetwork comprised of first and second regions. These specific portionsare selected so that the grip of the package is enhanced. The grip areasrender the package less slippery and facilitate easier carrying by theconsumer. Further, since many absorbent article packages are damaged bythe consumer or retail store employees during handling, the grip areasalso provide enhanced poke through resistance of the package. Grip areasalso may reduce slip of the package on the shelf or reduce slip betweenpackages to facilitate stacking of the package for display in the store(e.g. on pallets, floors, or shelves).

In one embodiment the web package material of the invention hereincomprises an Energy Ratio (E) of greater than about 1, greater thanabout 1.1, and/or greater than about 1.18, and a Deflection Ratio (D) ofgreater than about 1, and/or greater than about 1.2. The energy valuesrepresent the energy in inches/lbs. to induce failure of the web packagematerial according to the following formula:

${E\mspace{11mu} \left( {{Energy}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} \right)} = \frac{{Energy}\mspace{11mu} \left( {{at}\mspace{14mu} {failure}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {inches}\text{/}{{lbs}.}} \right)\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} X^{1}}{{Energy}\mspace{11mu} \left( {{at}\mspace{14mu} {failure}\mspace{14mu} {in}\mspace{14mu} {inches}\text{/}{{lbs}.}} \right)\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} Y^{2}}$

The Deflection Ratio represents the peak deflection in inches withoutinducing failure of the web package material according to the followingformula:

${D\mspace{11mu} \left( {{Deflection}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} \right)} = \frac{{Peak}\mspace{14mu} {Delfection}\mspace{11mu} ({inches})\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} X}{{Peak}\mspace{14mu} {Deflection}\mspace{11mu} ({inches})\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} Y}$

For example, the D and E values for samples of the grip area of the webpackage material of the present invention are as follows:

Mean Energy at Failure Film Mean Deflection of 12 of 12 Samples SampleSamples at Peak (inches) (inches/lbs.) X 0.3658 0.5157 Y 0.2904 0.4459These D and E measurements are generated according to ASTM F 1306.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the grip areas of the web package materialherein have a Coefficient of Friction Ratio (COF Ratio) of greater thanabout 1, greater than about 1.2, and/or greater than about 1.4. The COFrepresents the resistance of the movement of the sample against theselected substrate.

The COF Ratio is calculated as follows:

¹Web package material having 1.25 mils thickness comprising aconventional polyethylene film with a mixture of LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, fromSouthern Film Extruder, with grip areas having first and second regionsand a depth of engagement of 0.025 inches according to the presentinvention.²Web package material X without grip areas having first and secondregions.

${C\; O\; F\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \frac{C\; O\; F\mspace{11mu} ({dynamic})\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} A^{3}}{C\; O\; F\mspace{11mu} ({dynamic})\mspace{14mu} {of}\mspace{14mu} B^{4}}$

³ Web package material having 1.25 mils thickness comprising aconventional polyethelyne film with a mixture of LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, fromSouthern Film Extruder, with first and second regions and a depth ofengagement of 0.025 inches of present invention and in either the MD orCD direction.⁴ Web package material A without grip areas having first and secondregions.

For example, COF values for samples of the grip area of the web packagematerial of the present invention are as follows:

Film Sample Mean COF of 5 Samples A (MD) 0.434 A (CD) 0.536 B 0.372

For example, the COF values are generated according to ASTM D 1894 asindicated in the Test Methods section herein.

The present invention pertains, in an embodiment, to a web packagematerial which exhibits an elastic-like behavior in response to anapplied and subsequently released elongation without the addition oftraditional elastic materials such as natural or synthetic rubber.

Another elastic-like behavior that the web package material of thepresent invention may exhibit is an initial elongation and partialrecovery which results in the web package material not returning to itsuntensioned length, i.e., the web package material has undergone adegree of permanent set or deformation and has a new longer untensionedlength. The web package material may exhibit an elastic-like behavior inresponse to subsequent elongations of the web package material beyondthe new longer untensioned length.

Another elastic-like behavior that may be exhibited is an elongation andrecovery with a definite and sudden increase in the force resistingelongation where this definite and sudden increase in resistive forcerestricts further elongation against relatively small elongation forces.The definite and sudden increase in the force resisting elongation isreferred to as a “force wall”. As used herein, the term “force wall”refers to the behavior of the resistive force of a web package materialduring elongation wherein at some point in the elongation, distinct fromthe untensioned or starting point, the force resisting the appliedelongation suddenly increases. After reaching the force wall, additionalelongation of the web package material is only accomplished

³Web package material having 1.25 mils thickness comprising aconventional polyethylene film with a mixture of LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, fromSouthern Film Extruder, with first and second regions and a depth ofengagement of 0.025 inches of present invention and in either the MD orCD direction.⁴Web package material A without grip areas having first and secondregions. via an increase in the elongation force to overcome the higherresistive force of the web package material.

The web package material of the present invention comprises a strainablenetwork having at least two visually distinct and dissimilar regionscomprised of the same material composition. The first region is orientedsubstantially parallel to an axis of elongation such that it willundergo a molecular-level deformation in response to an applied axialelongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis before asubstantial portion of the second region undergoes any substantialmolecular-level deformation. As used herein, the term “substantiallyparallel” refers to an orientation between two axes whereby thesubtended angle formed by the two axes or an extension of the two axesis less than 45 degrees. In the case of a curvilinear element it may bemore convenient to use a linear axis which represents an average of thecurvilinear element. The second regions initially undergo asubstantially geometric deformation in response to an applied elongationin a direction substantially parallel to the axis.

In another embodiment, the second region is comprised of a plurality ofraised rib-like elements. In one embodiment the rib-like elements have amajor axis and a minor axis. In an embodiment, the major axis is atleast as long as the minor axis. The major axes of the rib-like elementsare, in an embodiment, oriented substantially perpendicular to the axisof applied elongation. The major axis and the minor axis of the rib-likeelements may each be linear, curvilinear or a combination of linear andcurvilinear. As used herein, the term “substantially perpendicular”refers to an orientation between two axes whereby the subtended angleformed by the two axes or an extension of the two axes is greater than45 degrees. In the case of a curvilinear element it may be moreconvenient to use a linear axis which represents an average of thecurvilinear element.

The rib-like elements allow the second region to undergo a substantially“geometric deformation” which results in significantly less resistiveforces to an applied elongation than that exhibited by the“molecular-level deformation” of the first region. As used herein, theterm “molecular-level deformation” refers to deformation which occurs ona molecular level and is not discernible to the normal naked eye. Thatis, even though one may be able to discern the effect of molecular-leveldeformation, e.g., elongation of the web package material, one is notable to discern the deformation which allows or causes it to happen.This is in contrast to the term “geometric deformation”. As used hereinthe term “geometric deformation” refers to deformations of the webpackage material which are discernible to the normal naked eye when theweb package material or packaging embodying the web package material aresubjected to an applied elongation. Types of geometric deformationinclude, but are not limited to bending, unfolding, and rotating.

Yet another elastic-like behavior that the web package material of thepresent invention may exhibit is an elongation and recovery with two ormore significantly different force walls. This type of elastic-likebehavior would be experienced if for example, after reaching a firstforce wall, sufficient elongation force was applied to overcome thefirst force wall and continue to elongate the web until a second forcewall was encountered.

When the web package material of the present invention has multiple orstaged force walls, rib-like elements in one or more of the secondregions reach their limit of geometric deformation and becomeessentially coplanar with the material in the first region, therebycausing the web package material to exhibit a first force wall. Furtherelongation of the web package material molecularly deforms the rib-likeelements which have reached their limit of geometric deformation, andsimultaneously geometrically deforms the rib-like elements in theremaining second regions until they reach their limit of geometricdeformation thereby causing the web package material to exhibit a secondforce wall.

In another embodiment, the web package material of the present inventionexhibits at least two significantly different stages of resistive forceto an applied elongation along at least Cone axis when subjected to anapplied elongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis.The web package material includes a strainable network having at leasttwo visually distinct regions. One of the regions is configured suchthat it will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied axialelongation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis before asubstantial portion of the other region develops any significantresistive force to the applied elongation. At least one of the regionshas a surface-pathlength which is greater than that of the other regionas measured substantially parallel to the axis while the material is inan untensioned condition. The region exhibiting the longersurface-pathlength includes one or more rib-like elements which extendbeyond the plane of the other region. The web package material exhibitsfirst resistive forces to the applied elongation until the elongation ofthe web package material is sufficient to cause a substantial portion ofthe region having the longer surface-pathlength to enter the plane ofapplied elongation, whereupon the web package material exhibits secondresistive forces to further elongation. The total resistive force toelongation is higher than the first resistive force to elongationprovided by the first region.

In an embodiment, the first region has a first surface-pathlength, L1,as measured substantially parallel to the axis of elongation while theweb package material is in an untensioned condition. The second regionhas a second surface-pathlength, L2, as measured substantially parallelto the axis of elongation while the web is in an untensioned condition.The first surface-pathlength, L1, is less than the secondsurface-pathlength, L2. The first region, in an embodiment, has anelastic modulus, E1, and a cross-sectional area, A1. The first regionproduces by itself a resistive force, P1, due to molecular-leveldeformation in response to an applied axial elongation, D. The secondregion, in an embodiment, has an elastic modulus, E2, and across-sectional area, A2. The second region produces a resistive force,P2, due to geometric deformation in response to the applied axialelongation, D. The resistive force, P1, is significantly greater thanthe resistive force, P2, so long as (L1+D) is less than L2.

In an embodiment, when (L1+D) is less than L2 the first region providesan initial resistive force, P1, in response to the applied axialelongation, D, substantially satisfying the equation:

${P\; 1} = \frac{A\; 1 \times E\; 1 \times D}{L\; 1}$

When (L1+D) is greater than L2 the first and second regions provide atotal resistive force, PT, to the applied axial elongation, D,satisfying the equation:

${PT} = {\frac{\left( {A\; 1 \times E\; 1 \times D} \right)}{L\; 1} + \frac{\left( {A\; 2 \times E\; 2 \times \left\lbrack {{L\; 1} + D - {L\; 2}} \right\rbrack} \right)}{L\; 2}}$

In another embodiment, the web package material exhibits a Poissonlateral contraction effect of from about 0.44 to about 0.9 and/or about0.48 to about 0.8 at 20% elongation as measured perpendicular to theaxis of elongation and exhibits a Poisson lateral contraction effectfrom about 0.42 to about 0.9 and/or about 0.44 to about 0.8 at 60%elongation as measured perpendicular to the axis of elongation. As usedherein, the term “Poisson lateral contraction effect” describes thelateral contraction behavior of a material which is being subjected toan applied elongation. Web package material herein exhibits a modifiedPoisson lateral contraction effect that is less than that of anotherwise identical base web of similar material composition, i.e., aweb having no first and second regions. In another embodiment the webpackage material (e.g. having the first and second regions) is at leastabout 0.25 less than the Poisson lateral contraction effect of theidentical base web of similar material composition at 20% elongation,and is at least about 0.16 less than the Poisson lateral contractioneffect of the identical base web of similar material composition at 60%elongation.

In an embodiment, the surface-pathlength of the second region is atleast about 15% greater than that of the first region as measuredparallel to the axis of elongation while the web package material is inan untensioned condition. In another embodiment, the surface-pathlengthof the second region is at least about 30% greater than that of thefirst region as measured parallel to the axis of elongation while theweb is in an untensioned condition.

Web package materials of the present invention may be comprised of thematerials disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 2004/0265534, Curro, etal., published Dec. 30, 2004, and/or polyolefins such as polyethylenes,including linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low densitypolyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) ultra lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), orpolypropylene and blends thereof with the above and other materials.

Examples of other suitable polymeric materials which may also be usedinclude, but are not limited to, polyester, polyurethanes, compostableor biodegradable polymers, heat shrink polymers, thermoplasticelastomers, metallocene catalyst-based polymers (e.g., INSITE® availablefrom Dow Chemical Company and Exxact® available from Exxon), andbreathable polymers. The web package material may also be comprised of asynthetic woven, synthetic knit, nonwoven, apertured film,macroscopically expanded three-dimensional formed film, absorbent orfibrous absorbent material, foam, filled composition, or laminatesand/or combinations thereof. The nonwovens may be made by but notlimited to any of the following methods: spunlace, spunbond, meltblown,carded and/or air-through or calendar bonded, with a spunlace materialwith loosely bound fibers being one embodiment.

While the present invention has been described as providing a webpackage material from a single layer of base film, the present inventionmay be practiced equally well with other materials. Examples of otherbase materials from which the web package material of the presentinvention can be made include two-dimensional apertured films andmacroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, apertured formed films.Examples of macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, aperturedformed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, issued toThompson on Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane, etal. on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel, et al. onAug. 3, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045 issued to Ahr, et al. on Jul. 31,1984; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,006,394 issued to Baird on Apr. 9, 1991.

Web package materials of the present invention may include laminates ofthe above mentioned materials. Laminates may be combined by any numberof bonding methods known to those skilled in the art. Such bondingmethods include but are not limited to thermal bonding, adhesive bonding(using any of a number of adhesives including but not limited to sprayadhesives, hot melt adhesives, latex based adhesives and the like),sonic bonding and extrusion laminating whereby a polymeric film is castdirectly onto a substrate, and while still in a partially molten state,bonds to one side of the substrate, or by depositing meltblown fibersnonwoven directly onto a substrate.

FIG. 1. shows an embodiment of a web package material 52 of the presentinvention. The web package material 52 is shown in FIG. 1 in itssubstantially untensioned condition. The web package material 52 has twocenterlines, a longitudinal centerline, which is also referred tohereinafter as an axis, line, or direction “L” and a transverse orlateral centerline, which is also referred to hereinafter as an axis,line, or direction “T3”. The transverse centerline “T” is generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal centerline “L”.

Web package material 52 includes a “strainable network” of distinctregions. As used herein, the term “strainable network” refers to aninterconnected and interrelated group of regions which are able to beextended to some useful degree in a predetermined direction providingthe web package material with an elastic-like behavior in response to anapplied and subsequently released elongation. The strainable networkincludes a plurality of first regions 60 and a plurality of secondregions 66. Web package material 52 also includes transitional regions65 which are located at the interface between the first regions 60 andthe second regions 66. The transitional regions 65 will exhibit complexcombinations of the behavior of both the first region and the secondregion. It is recognized that every embodiment of the present inventionwill have transitional regions, however, the present invention islargely defined by the behavior of the web package material indistinctive regions (e.g., first regions 60 and second regions 66).Therefore, the ensuing description of the present invention will beconcerned with the behavior of the web package material in the firstregions 60 and the second regions 66 only since it is not significantlydependent upon the complex behavior of the web package material in thetransitional regions 65.

Web package material 52 has a first surface, (facing the viewer in FIG.1), and an opposing second surface. A portion of the first regions 60,indicated generally as 61, are substantially linear and extend in afirst direction. The remaining first regions 60, indicated generally as62, are substantially linear and extend in a second direction which issubstantially perpendicular to the first direction. While in oneembodiment the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction,other angular relationships between the first direction and the seconddirection may be suitable so long as the first regions 61 and 62intersect one another. In one embodiment, the angles between the firstand second directions ranges from about 45° to about 135°, and may beabout 90°. The intersection of the portions and remaining first regions61 and 62 forms a boundary, indicated by phantom line 63 in FIG. 1,which completely surrounds the second regions 66.

In one embodiment, the width 68 of the first regions 60 is from about0.01 inches to about 0.5 inches, and/or from about 0.03 inches to about0.25 inches. However, other width dimensions for the first regions 60may be suitable. Because the portions and remaining first regions 61 and62 are perpendicular to one another and equally spaced apart, the secondregions have a square shape. However, other shapes for the second region66 are suitable and may be achieved by changing the spacing between thefirst regions and/or the alignment of the first regions 61 and 62 withrespect to one another. The second regions 66 have a first axis 70 and asecond axis 71. The first axis 70 is substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the web package material 52, while the second axis71 is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the web packagematerial 52. The first regions 60 have an elastic modulus E1 and across-sectional area A1. The second regions 66 have an elastic modulusE2 and a cross-sectional area A2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the web package material 52 has been“formed” such that the web package material 52 exhibits a resistiveforce along an axis, which in the case of the illustrated embodiment issubstantially parallel to the transverse axis of the web, when subjectedto an applied axial elongation in a direction substantially parallel tothe transverse axis. As used herein, the term “formed” refers to thecreation of a desired structure or geometry upon a web package materialthat will substantially retain the desired structure or geometry when itis not subjected to any eternally applied elongations or forces. A webpackage material of the present invention may be comprised of aplurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions, whereinthe first regions are visually distinct from the second regions. As usedherein, the term “visually distinct” refers to features of the webpackage material which are readily discernible to the normal naked eyewhen the web package material or a package embodying the web packagematerial are subjected to normal use. As used herein the term“surface-pathlength” refers to a measurement along the topographicsurface of the region in question in a direction substantially parallelto an axis. The method for determining the surface-pathlength of therespective regions can be found in the Test Methods section set forthherein.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the first regions 60 are substantiallyplanar. That is, the material within the first regions 60 is insubstantially the same condition before and after the formation stepundergone by web package material 52. The second regions 66 include aplurality of raised rib-like elements 74.

The rib-like elements 74 may be embossed, debossed or a combinationthereof. The rib-like elements 74 have a first or major axis 76 which issubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the web packagematerial 52 and a second or minor axis 77 which is substantiallyparallel to the transverse axis of the web package material 52.

The rib-like elements 74 in the second region 66 may be separated fromone another by unformed areas, essentially unembossed or debossed, orsimply formed as spacing areas. In one embodiment, the rib-like elements74 are adjacent one another and are separated by an unformed area ofless than 0.10 inches as measured perpendicular to the major axis 76 ofthe rib-like elements 74, and/or, the rib-like elements 74 arecontiguous having no unformed areas between them.

The first regions 60 and the second regions 66 each have a “projectedpathlength”. As used herein the term “projected pathlength” refers tothe length of a shadow of a region that would be thrown by parallellight. The projected pathlength of the first region 60 and the projectedpathlength of the second region 66 are equal to one another.

The first region 60 has a surface-pathlength, L1, less than thesurface-pathlength, L2, of the second region 66 as measuredtopographically in a parallel direction while the web is in anuntensioned condition. For example, the surface-pathlength of the secondregion 66 is at least about 15% greater than that of the first region60, and/or at least about 30% greater than that of the first region,and/or at least about 70% greater than that of the first region. In oneembodiment, the greater the surface-pathlength of the second region, thegreater will be the elongation of the web before encountering the forcewall.

Web package material 52 exhibits a modified “Poisson lateral contractioneffect” substantially less than that of an otherwise identical base webof similar material composition, i.e., a web having no first and secondregions. The method for determining the Poisson lateral contractioneffect of a material can be found in the Test Methods section herein.The Poisson lateral contraction effect of web package material of thepresent invention is determined by the amount of the web packagematerial which is occupied by the first and second regions,respectively. As the area of the web package material occupied by thefirst region increases the Poisson lateral contraction effect alsoincreases. Conversely, as the area of the web package material occupiedby the second region increases the Poisson lateral contraction effectdecreases. In an embodiment, the percent area of the web packagematerial occupied by the first region of the grip area, is from about 2%to about 90%, and/or from about 5% to about 50%.

Web package materials of the prior art which have at least one layer ofan elastomeric material will generally have a large Poisson lateralcontraction effect, i.e., they will “neck down” as they elongate inresponse to an applied force. Web package materials of the presentinvention can be designed to moderate if not substantially eliminate thePoisson lateral contraction effect.

For web package material 52, the direction of applied axial elongation,D, indicated by arrows 80 in FIG. 1, is substantially perpendicular tothe first axis 76 of the rib-like elements 74. This is due to the factthat the rib-like elements 74 are able to unbend or geometrically deformin a direction substantially perpendicular to their first axis 76 toallow extension in web 52.

In FIG. 2 there is shown an exemplary graph of a resistiveforce-elongation curve 720 of a web package material generally similarto web package material 52 shown in FIG. 1 along with a curve 710 of abase web package material of similar composition. The method forgenerating resistive force-elongation curves can be found in the TestMethods section herein. Referring now to the force-elongation curve 720of the formed web of the present invention, there is an initialsubstantially linear, lower force versus elongation stage I designated720 a, a transition zone designated 720 b which indicates the encounterof the force wall, and a substantially linear stage II designated 720 cwhich displays substantially higher force versus elongation behavior.

As seen in FIG. 2 the formed web exhibits different elongation behaviorin the two stages when subjected to an applied elongation in a directionparallel to the transverse axis of the web. The resistive force exertedby the formed web to the applied elongation is significantly less in thestage I region (720 a) versus the stage II region (720 c) of curve 720.Furthermore, the resistive force exerted by the formed web to theapplied elongation as depicted in stage I (720 a) of curve 720 issignificantly less than the resistive force exerted by the base web asdepicted in curve 710 within the limits of elongation of stage I. As theformed web is subjected to further applied elongation and enters stageII (720 c) the resistive force exerted by the formed web increases andapproaches the resistive force exerted by the base web. The resistiveforce to the applied elongation for the stage I region (720 a) of theformed web is provided by the molecular-level and geometric deformationof the first region of the formed web and the geometric deformation ofthe second region of the formed web. This is in contrast to theresistive force to an applied elongation that is provided by the baseweb, depicted in curve 710 of FIG. 2, which results from molecular-leveldeformation of the entire web. Web package materials of the presentinvention can be designed to yield virtually any resistive force instage I which is less than that of the base web package material byadjusting the percentage of the web surface which is comprised of thefirst and second regions, respectively. The force-elongation behavior ofstage I can be controlled by adjusting the width, cross-sectional area,and spacing of the first region and the composition of the base web.

Referring now to FIG. 3, as web package material 52 is subjected to anapplied axial elongation, D, indicated by arrows 80 in FIG. 3, the firstregions 60 having the shorter surface-pathlength, L1, provide most ofthe initial resistive force, P1, as a result of molecular-leveldeformation, to the applied elongation which corresponds to stage I.While in stage I, the rib-like elements 74 in the second regions 66 areexperiencing geometric deformation, or unbending and offer minimalresistance to the applied elongation. In addition, the shape of thesecond regions 66 changes as a result of the movement of the reticulatedstructure formed by the intersecting first regions 61 and 62.Accordingly, as the web package material 52 is subjected to the appliedelongation, the first regions 61 and 62 experience geometric deformationor bending, thereby changing the shape of the second regions 66. Thesecond regions are extended or lengthened in a direction parallel to thedirection of applied elongation, and collapse or shrink in a directionperpendicular to the direction of applied elongation.

In the transition zone (720 b) between stages I and II, the rib-likeelements 74 are becoming aligned with, (i.e., coplanar with), theapplied elongation. That is, the second region 66 is exhibiting a changefrom geometric deformation to molecular-level deformation. This is theonset of the force wall. In stage II, the rib-like elements 74 in thesecond region 66 are substantially aligned with, (i.e., coplanar with),the axis of applied elongation (i.e. the second region has reached itslimit of geometric deformation) and begin to resist further elongationvia molecular-level deformation. The second region 66 now contributes,as a result of molecular-level deformation, a second resistive force,P2, to further applied elongation. In stage II, the first regions 61 and62 have also reached their limit of geometric deformation and resistfurther elongation mainly via molecular-level deformation. The resistiveforces to elongation depicted in stage II by both the molecular-leveldeformation of the first regions 60 and the molecular-level deformationof the second regions 66 provide a total resistive force, PT, which isgreater than the resistive force depicted in stage I which is providedby the molecular-level and geometric deformation of the first regions 60and the geometric deformation of the second regions 66. Accordingly, theslope of the force-elongation curve in stage II is significantly greaterthan the slope of the force-elongation curve in stage I.

The maximum elongation occurring while in stage I is referred to as the“available stretch” of the web package material. The available stretchcorresponds to the distance over which the second region experiencesgeometric deformation. The available stretch can be effectivelydetermined by inspection of the force-elongation curve 720 as shown inFIG. 2. The approximate point at which there is an inflection in thetransition zone between stage I and stage II is the percent elongationpoint of “available stretch”. The range of available stretch can bevaried from about 10% to 100% or more; this range of elongation is oftenfound to be of interest in disposable absorbent articles, and can belargely controlled by the extent to which the surface-pathlength L2 inthe second region exceeds the surface-pathlength L1 in the first regionand the composition of the base film. The term available stretch is notintended to imply a limit to the elongation which the web of the presentinvention may be subjected to as there are applications where elongationbeyond the available stretch is desirable.

When the web package material is subjected to an applied elongation, theweb package material exhibits an elastic-like behavior as it extends inthe direction of applied elongation and returns to its substantiallyuntensioned condition once the applied elongation is removed, unless theweb package material is extended beyond the point of yielding. The webpackage material is able to undergo multiple cycles of appliedelongation without losing its ability to substantially recover.Accordingly, the web package material is able to return to itssubstantially untensioned condition once the applied elongation isremoved.

While the web package material may be easily and reversibly extended inthe direction of applied axial elongation, in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the first axis 76 of the rib-like elements 74, the webpackage material is not as easily extended in a direction substantiallyparallel to the first axis 76 of the rib-like elements 74. The formationof the rib-like elements allows the rib-like elements to geometricallydeform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first or majoraxis 76 of the rib-like elements, while requiring substantiallymolecular-level deformation to extend in a direction substantiallyparallel to the first axis of the rib-like elements.

The amount of applied force required to extend the web package materialis dependent upon the composition and cross-sectional area of the webpackage material and the width and spacing of the first regions, withnarrower and more widely spaced first regions requiring lower appliedextensional forces to achieve the desired elongation for a givencomposition and cross-sectional area.

The depth and frequency of rib-like elements can also be varied tocontrol the available stretch of a web package material of the presentinvention. The available stretch is increased if for a given frequencyof rib-like elements, the height or degree of formation imparted on therib-like elements is increased. Similarly, the available stretch isincreased if for a given height or degree of formation, the frequency ofthe rib-like elements is increased.

There are several functional properties that can be controlled throughthe application of the present invention. The functional properties arethe resistive force exerted by the web package material against anapplied elongation and the available stretch of the web package materialbefore a force wall is encountered. The resistive force that is exertedby the web package material against an applied elongation is a functionof the material (e.g., composition, molecular structure and orientation,etc.) and cross-sectional area and the percent of the projected surfacearea of the web package material that is occupied by the first region.The higher the percent area coverage of the web package material by thefirst region, the higher the resistive force that the web will exertagainst an applied elongation for a given material composition andcross-sectional area. The percent coverage of the web package materialby the first region is determined in part if not wholly by the widths ofthe first regions and the spacing between adjacent first regions.

The available stretch of the web package material is determined by thesurface-pathlength of the second region. The surface-pathlength of thesecond region is determined at least in part by the rib-like elementspacing, rib-like element frequency and depth of formation of therib-like elements as measured perpendicular to the plane of the webpackage material. In general, the greater the surface-pathlength of thesecond region the greater the available stretch of the web packagematerial.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a package 100 of the present inventionhaving a plurality of absorbent articles 101, an outer package 103comprising a web package material 105 shown in its substantiallyuntensioned condition. A portion of the package or a portion of thesurface of the package comprises one or more grip areas. In oneembodiment the first regions and the second regions of the web packagematerial are located within the grip areas of the package. In oneembodiment the first regions and the second regions of the web packagematerial are exclusively located in the grip areas. The web packagematerial comprises one or more grip areas which may comprise a top griparea 102, side grip area(s) 104, bottom grip area 106, and/or grip maybe located in the gusseted area of the package, e.g. the “gusseted griparea”. The configuration and location of the first regions and thesecond regions in the grip areas enhances the handling and carrying ofthe package by the consumer, enhances stacking of the packaging, andimproves poke through resistance of the outer package.

In one embodiment the grip areas may be any shape, or may be in theshape of a hand and/or extend beyond the shape of the hand. In anotherembodiment the grip area may be in the shape of a bear paw similar tothat used with the Charmin brand of toilet paper manufactured by P&G. Inone embodiment the grip areas comprise less that about 90%, less thanabout 80%, and/or less than about 75%, or from about 5% to about 50%and/or from about 10% to about 40%, and/or about 10% to about 30%, ofthe total outward facing surface area of the outer package. For apackage having multiple rolls of toilet tissues, facial tissues or papertowels, the grip area(s) may be located on the package between the rollsof product, be located in the areas on the top or bottom of the package,and/or may be located partially around the circumference of the roll(s)at the side of the package (e.g., see side grip areas 104 of FIG. 4). Inone embodiment the outer package may be gusseted, and the grip area maybe located on the gusseted area. In one embodiment the grip area may belocated across the entire top surface 107 or the entire bottom surfaceof the outer package.

Method of Making

Methods for forming web package materials of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to embossing by mating plates or rolls,thermoforming, high pressure hydraulic forming, or casting.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an apparatus 400 used to formthe web package material 52 shown in FIG. 1. Apparatus 400, includesintermeshing plates 401, 402. Plates 401, 402 include a plurality ofintermeshing teeth 403, 404, respectively. Plates 401, 402 are broughttogether under pressure to form the web package material of the presentinvention.

Plate 402 includes toothed regions 407 and grooved regions 408. Withintoothed regions 407 of plate 402 there are a plurality of intermeshingteeth 404. Plate 401 includes intermeshing teeth 403 which mesh withintermeshing teeth 404 of plate 402. When a film is formed betweenplates 401, 402 the portions of the film which are positioned withingrooved regions 408 of plate 402 and teeth 403 on plate 401 remainundeformed. These regions correspond with the first regions 60 of web 52shown in FIG. 1. The portions of the film positioned between toothedregions 407 of plate 402, (which comprise teeth 404), and teeth 403 ofplate 401 are incrementally and plastically formed creating rib-likeelements 74 in the second regions 66 of web package material 52, of FIG.1.

The method of formation can be accomplished in a static mode, where onediscrete portion of a base film is deformed at a time. Alternatively,the method of formation can be accomplished using a continuous, dynamicpress for intermittently contacting the moving web and forming the basematerial into a formed web package material of the present invention.These and other suitable methods for forming the web package material ofthe present invention are more fully described in U.S. Pat. No.5,518,801 issued to Chappell, et al. on May 21, 1996.

Test Methods COF

COF values are generated according to ASTM D 1894. Substitute a 3.75″wide 111.6 g skin mimic (that mimics the properties of skin on a humanforearm) made according to the following process, for the metal sled.The path length is 200 mm versus 250 mm, and the rate is 150 mm/min.

For the skin mimic first make a negative imprint of keratinous tissue byapplying a material (suitable materials include PLY-O-LIFE™ andALGIFORM™ casting material, both available from Pink House Studios (St.Albans, Vt.); or other suitable equivalent materials) capable of forminga cast, or mold, onto a human forearm. (To make imprints of otherkeratinous tissue, a negative imprint similarly may be made of anotherbody part, for example, human skin on other parts of the body, lips,hair, etc.). When set, remove the cast and allow to dry for 3-7 min.Create a positive mold that resembles the body part in both form andtexture by placing, for example, silicone or other suitable material inthe negative mold. Remove the material from the negative mold to obtainthe positive mold, and impress the positive mold into polyurethane orother suitable material to create a second negative mold. Remove thepositive mold and allow the second negative mold to cure overnight.Optionally, the positive mold may be pressed into a unitary mold ofpolyurethane or other suitable material to create multiple negativemolds. Alternatively, a negative mold containing the skin-texture can bemade into a variety of shapes, for example a square shape of 10×10 cm.

To form the first layer, spray coat the second negative mold with a 1:1mixture of Skin-Flex SC-89² stretch paint (aliphatic polyurethane glosspaint) and Skin-Flex SC-89 thinner³ to create a layer having a thicknessof from about 100 μm to about 600 μm, and allow to dry for at least 12hours.

To form the second layer, pour an amount of a suitable second materialhaving a hardness of from about 45 to about 60 on the Shore OOO scalefor the second layer, for example XP-574⁴, sufficient to create a layerhaving a thickness of from about 0.01 cm to about 1 cm onto the driedfirst layer. Prior to pouring, de-gas the liquid polymers sufficientlyto remove undesirable trapped air bubbles. Allow to cure/dry for about24 hours.

To form the third layer, pour an amount of a suitable de-gassedmaterial, for example, PC-16⁵, onto the second layer. The amount shouldbe sufficient to create a layer having a thickness of from about 0.1 cmto about 1 cm, onto the dried second layer. Allow to cure/dry for about24 hours.

Allow the resulting multi-layered substrate to cure for at least anadditional 24 hours before gently removing from the second negativemold. The surface of the substrate may be modified by using atmosphericplasma treatments and/or other suitable chemical treatments. Thesubstrates may be used to simulate a number of body parts, for examplehuman wet skin, young skin, aged and/or damaged skin, the forehead,hands, shinbone, and/or cheek area.

¹Other suitable materials include dental materials, liquid rubber, roomtemperature vulcanized (RTV) rubber, plastic, or equivalents thereof.²SC-89 Stretch Paint, available from Burman Industries (Van Nuys,Calif.).²SC-89 Thinner, available from Burman Industries, (Van Nuys, Calif.).

⁴XP-574, BJB Industries (Tustin, Calif.)

⁵PC-16, available from BJB Industries (Tustin, Calif.). Other suitablematerials include PC-15, XP-573, TC-410 polyurethane, Part A (aromaticdiisocyanate based pre-polymer, plasticizer mixture) and Part B,polyurethane curing agent, for example, polyether polyol, di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, aromatic amines, aryl mercuric carboxylate) withParts A and B in a 1:1 ratio. Optionally, Part C (Plasticizer-ester) maybe included at a level of 1% to 150% by weight of the combination ofParts A and B. An acceptable alternative to TC-410 parts A and B is SkinFlex, Part A (aromatic diisocyanate terminated polyoxypropylene glycolmixture); Part B, polyurethane curing agent (polyol-diamine mixture),with Part A and Part B in a 1:2 ratio; and optionally Skin Flex Part C(Plasticizer-ester) at a level of 1% to 150% by weight of thecombination of Parts A and B; all available from BJB Industries (Tustin,Calif.).

An example of a substrate made according to the above procedure, wherethe first layer has an average thickness of about 100 micrometers toabout 600 micrometers, the second layer comprises XP-574, and whereinthe first negative imprint uses a human forearm to produce a texture onthe first surface of the first layer similar to a human forearm, is:

Hardness Thickness of Thickness of (Shore Sample Layer 3 (cm) Layer 2(cm) OOO)¹ 5 0.85 0.15 46 ¹Average of three measurements.The substrate is further disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 11/650,919, filedJan. 8, 2007, assigned to P&G.

Surface-Pathlength

Pathlength measurements of formed material regions are to be determinedby selecting and preparing representative samples of each distinctregion and analyzing these samples by means of microscopic imageanalysis methods.

Samples are to be selected so as to be representative of each region'ssurface geometry. Generally, the transition regions should be avoidedsince they would normally contain features of -both the first and secondregions. The sample to be measured is cut and separated from the regionof interest. The “measured edge” is to be cut parallel to a specifiedaxis of elongation. Usually this axis is parallel to the formedprimary-axis of either the first region or the second region. Anunstrained sample length of one-half inch is to be “gauge marked”perpendicular to the “measured edge”: while attached to the web packagematerial, and then accurately cut and removed from the web packagematerial.

Measurement samples are then mounted onto the long-edge of a microscopicglass slide. The “measured edge” is to extend slightly (approximately 1mm) outward from the slide edge. A thin layer of pressure-sensitiveadhesive is applied to the glass face-edge to provide a suitable samplesupport means. For highly formed sample regions it has been founddesirable to gently extend the sample in its axial direction (withoutimposing significant force) simultaneous to facilitate contact andattachment of the sample to the slide-edge. This allows improved edgeidentification during image analysis and avoids possible “crumpled” edgeportions that require additional interpretation analysis.

Images of each sample are to be obtained as “measured edge” views takenwith the support slide “edge on” using suitable microscopic measuringmeans of sufficient quality and magnification. Data is obtained usingthe following equipment; Keyence VH-6100 (20×Lens) video unit, withvideo-image prints made with a Sony Video printer Mavigraph unit. Videoprints were image-scanned with a Hewlett Packard ScanJet IIP scanner.Image analysis was on a MacIntosh IICi computer utilizing the softwareNIH MAC Image version 1.45.

Using this equipment, a calibration image initially taken of a gridscale length of 0.500″ with 0.005″ increment-marks to be used forcalibration setting of the computer image analysis program. All samplesto be measured are then video-imaged and video-image printed. Next, allvideo-prints are image-scanned at 100 dpi (256-level gray scale) into asuitable Mac image-file format. Finally, each image-file (includingcalibration file) is analyzed utilizing Mac Image 1.45 computer program.All samples are measured with freehand line-measurement tool selected.Samples are measured on both side-edges and the lengths are recorded.Simple film-like (thin & constant thickness) samples require only oneside-edge to be measured. Laminate and thick foam samples are measuredon both side-edges. Length measurement tracings are to be made along thefull gauge length of a cut sample. In cases of highly deformed samples,multiple (partially overlapping) images may be required to cover theentire cut sample. In these cases, select characteristic features commonto both overlapping-images and utilize as “markers” to permit imagelength readings to adjoin but not overlap.

The final determination of surface-pathlength for each region isobtained by averaging the lengths of five (5) separate ½″ gauge-samplesof each region. Each gauge-sample “surface-pathlength”is to be theaverage of both side-edge surface-pathlengths.

While the test method described above is useful for many of the webpackage materials of the present invention it is recognized that thetest method may have to be modified to accommodate some of the morecomplex web package materials within the scope of the present invention.

Poisson's Lateral Contraction Effect

The Poisson's lateral contraction effect is measured on an Instron Model1122, as available from Instron Corporation of Canton, Mass., which isinterfaced to a Gateway 2000 486/33 Hz computer available from Gateway2000 of N. Sioux City, S. Dak., using Test Works™. software which isavailable from Sintech, Inc. of Research Triangle Park, N.C. Allessential parameters needed for testing are input in the TestWorks™.software for each test. Data collection is accomplished through acombination of manual sample width measurements, and elongationmeasurements made within TestWorks™.

The samples used for this test are 1″ wide×4″ long with the long axis ofthe sample cut parallel to the direction of the first region of thesample. The sample should be cut with a sharp knife or suitably sharpcutting device designed to cut a precise 1″ wide sample. It is importantthat a “representative sample” should be cut so that an arearepresentative of the symmetry of the overall pattern of the deformedregion is represented. There will be cases (due to variations in eitherthe size of the deformed portion or the relative geometries of regions 1and 2) in which it will be necessary to cut either larger or smallersamples than is suggested herein. In this case, it is very important tonote (along with any data reported) the size of the sample, which areaof the deformed region it was taken from and in an embodiment include aschematic of the representative area used for the sample. In general, an“aspect ratio” of (2:1) for the actual extended tensile portion (11:w1)is to be maintained if possible. Five samples are tested.

The grips of the Instron consist of air actuated grips designed toconcentrate the entire gripping force along a single line perpendicularto the direction of testing elongation having one flat surface and anopposing face from which protrudes a half round. No slippage should bepermitted between the sample and the grips. The distance between thelines of gripping force should be 2″ as measured by a steel rule heldbeside the grips. This distance will be referred to from here on as the“gauge length”.

The sample is mounted in the grips with its long axis perpendicular tothe direction of applied elongation. An area representative of theoverall pattern geometry should be symmetrically centered between thegrips. The crosshead speed is set to 10 in/min. The crosshead moves tothe specified strain (measurements are made at both 20 and 60%elongation). The width of the sample at its narrowest point (w2) ismeasured to the nearest 0.02″ using a steel rule. The elongation in thedirection of applied extension is recorded to the nearest 0.02″ on theTestWorks software. The Poisson's Lateral Contraction Effect (PLCE) iscalculated using the following formula:

${P\; L\; C\; E} = \frac{\frac{\left\lbrack {{w\; 2} - {w\; 1}} \right\rbrack}{w\; 1}}{\frac{\left\lbrack {{l\; 2} - {l\; 1}} \right\rbrack}{l\; 1}}$

-   -   where w2=The width of the sample under an applied longitudinal        elongation;    -   w1=The original width of the sample;    -   l2=The length of the sample under an applied longitudinal        elongation; and    -   l1=The original length of the sample (gauge length);

Measurements are made at both 20 and 60% elongation using five differentsamples for each given elongation. The PLCE at a given percentelongation is the average of five measurements.

While the test method described above is useful for many of the webpackage materials of the present invention it is recognized that thetest method may have to be modified to accommodate some of the morecomplex web package materials within the scope of the present invention.

Tensile Test The tensile test is used for measuring force versus percentelongation properties and percent available stretch of a material. Thetests are performed on an Instron Model 1122, available from InstronCorporation of Canton, Mass. which is interfaced to a Gateway 2000486/33 Hz computer available from Gateway 2000 of N. Sioux City, S.Dak., using TestWorks™. software which is available from Sintech, Inc.of Research Triangle Park, N.C. All essential parameters needed fortesting are input in the TestWorks™. software for each test. Also, alldata collection, data analysis and graphing are done using theTestWorks™. software.

The samples used for this test are 1″ wide×4″ long with the long axis ofthe sample cut parallel to the direction of maximum extensibility of thesample. The sample should be cut with a sharp exacto knife or somesuitably sharp cutting device design to cut a precise 1″ wide sample.(If there is more than one direction of extensibility of the material,samples should be taken parallel to representative direction ofelongation). The sample Should be cut so that an area representative ofthe symmetry of the overall pattern of the deformed region isrepresented. There will be cases (due to variations in either the sizeof the deformed portion or the relative geometries of regions 1 and 2)in which it will be necessary to cut either larger or smaller samplesthan is suggested herein. In this case, it is very important to note(along with any data reported) the size of the sample, which area of thedeformed region it was taken from and in an embodiment include aschematic of the representative area used for the sample. Three samplesof a given material are tested.

The grips of the Instron consist of air actuated grips designed toconcentrate the entire gripping force along a single line perpendicularto the direction of testing stress having one flat surface and anopposing face from which protrudes a half round to minimize slippage ofthe sample. The distance between the lines of gripping force should be2″ as measured by a steel rule held beside the grips. This distance willbe referred to from hereon as the “gauge length”. The sample is mountedin the grips with its long axis perpendicular to the direction ofapplied percent elongation. The crosshead speed is set to 10 in/min. Thecrosshead elongates the sample until the sample breaks at which pointthe crosshead stops and returns to its original position (0%elongation).

Graphs of the restive force-elongation curve is shown in FIG. 2. Thepercent available stretch is the point at which there is an inflectionin the force—elongation curve, beyond which point there is a rapidincrease in the amount of force required to elongate the sample further.The average of the percent available stretch for three samples isrecorded.

While the test method described above is useful for many of the webpackage materials of the present invention it is recognized that thetest method may have to be modified to accommodate some of the morecomplex web package materials within the scope of the present invention.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A package comprising: (a) one or more absorbent articles; (b) anouter package for the absorbent articles, comprising a web packagematerial comprising at least two distinct regions comprising a firstregion and a second region being comprised of the same materialcomposition, the first region undergoing a substantially molecular-leveldeformation and the second region initially undergoing a substantiallygeometric deformation when the web package material is subjected to anapplied elongation along at least one axis; and wherein the first regionand the second region are positioned on one or more grip areas of theouter package, wherein only a portion of the outer package comprisesfirst and second regions.
 2. The package of claim 1 wherein the webpackage material has an available stretch and the second region has alimit to the available stretch.
 3. The package of claim 1 wherein theweb package material has an Energy Ratio of greater than about
 1. 4. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the web package material has a DeflectionRatio of greater than about
 1. 5. The package of claim 1 wherein the webpackage material has a COF Ratio of greater than about
 1. 6. The packageof claim 5 wherein the web package material has a COF Ratio of greaterthan about 1.4.
 7. The package of claim 1 wherein the grip areacomprises about 5% to about 80% of the total outward facing surface areaof the outer package.
 8. The package of claim 7 wherein the grips areascomprise top grip area, side grip area, bottom grip area, gusseted griparea, and combinations thereof.
 9. The package of claim 1 wherein thefirst region and the second region are distinct from one another. 10.The package of claim 1 wherein the web package material comprisespolyethylene. polypropylene, and combinations thereof.
 11. The packageof claim 1 wherein the web package material is a laminate or coextrusionof two or more materials.
 12. The package of claim 1 wherein theabsorbent articles are in roll form comprising paper towels, toilettissue, facial tissue, and combinations thereof, and the packagecomprises from about 1 to about 90 rolls.
 13. The package of claim 12comprising from about 4 rolls to about 36 rolls.
 14. A packagecomprising: (a) a plurality of absorbent articles; (b) an outer packagefor the absorbent articles, comprising a web package material, the webpackage material exhibiting an elastic-like behavior along at least oneaxis, the web package material comprising: a plurality of first regionsand a plurality of second regions, the first region and the secondregion being comprised of the same material composition and each havingan untensioned projected pathlength, a portion of the first regionsextending in a first direction while the remainder of the first regionsextend in a second direction, the angles between the first and seconddirections ranging from about 45° to about 135°, the first regionsforming a boundary completely surrounding the second regions, the secondregions comprising a plurality of raised rib-like elements, the firstregion undergoing a molecular-level and geometric deformation and thesecond region initially undergoing a substantially geometric deformationwhen the web package material is subjected to an applied elongation in adirection substantial parallel to the axis, and wherein the first regionand the second region are positioned on one or more grip areas of theouter package and wherein only a portion of the outer package comprisesfirst and second regions.
 15. The package of claim 14 wherein the webpackage material has an available stretch and the second region has alimit to the available stretch.
 16. The package of claim 14 wherein theweb package material has an Energy Ratio of greater than about
 1. 17.The package of claim 14 wherein the web package material has aDeflection Ratio of greater than about
 1. 18. The package of claim 14wherein the web package material has a COF Ratio of greater thanabout
 1. 19. The package of claim 18 wherein the web package materialhas a COF Ratio of greater than about 1.4.
 20. The package of claim 14wherein the grip area comprises from about 5% to about 80% of the totaloutward facing surface area of the outer package.
 21. The package ofclaim 20 wherein the grips areas comprise top grip area, side grip area,bottom grip area, gusseted grip area, and combinations thereof.
 22. Thepackage of 14 wherein the first region is substantially free of therib-like elements wherein the rib-like elements have a major axis and aminor axis.